My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

set the cake box down on a stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring

cake is so

her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing

candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she treats you all to some cake, what should we

the head of the group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said,

the ‘Happy

must close her eyes and

Rachel must blow

to Julian that there was no need to go to

sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

a wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t

to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet

the gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish.

you!” their parents instructed, standing

on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene was

Rachel finally smiled

right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need

about me. I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never

told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to keep warm since you

she turned and headed toward the

her apartment

slam, the door was propped open by a large hand from

darkened face made all the more grotesque by

on

house and shut the door

you’ve been

took two steps back. Why

he stalked toward her as he pulled off his necktie and threw it onto the couch.

icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your blissful

step he approached her, forcing her back inch

Rachel had no idea

hold of her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all